Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow faster in a short period than normal. This disorder makes the skin produce red scale-like patches on the surface. Occasionally, these patches crack up and bleed. Mostly, the cells develop deep within the skin and rise to the surface, then eventually fall off.
For people with psoriasis, the growth takes place at a rapid rate. It can grow in any part of the body, such as the neck, face, feet, and hands. The most common parts they appear in are the lower back, scalp, knees, and elbows. The lesser type of psoriasis can grow in the mouth, the nails, and the area around the genitals. Various conditions are often related to psoriasis, that includes;
• Anxiety
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Depression
• Heart Disease
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Inflammation bowel disease
Types of Psoriasis
Generally, there are 5 types of psoriasis. They are:
• Plaque Psoriasis:
This is the most familiar kind of psoriasis. About 80% of people with psoriasis suffer from this category. They are found on the knees, scalps, and elbows.
• Inverse Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis causes the red inflamed area on the skin. These marks develop around the crease of the genitals, under breasts and armpits, or in the groin.
• Guttate Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis commonly occurs in childhood and causes pink spots around the torso, legs, and arms. As they are rarely thick.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This sort of psoriasis is rare and dangerous. People usually have a large area of their bodies covered with red patches. These patches almost look sunburned and can be life-threatening. An individual can fall sick because of this. They should see a doctor as soon as possible.
• Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis mostly occurs among adults. It causes white blisters likes and larger inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis typically takes place in smaller spots like hands and feet.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Each symptom of psoriasis varies according to its type The major symptoms of psoriasis are:
• Red inflamed patches in the skin
• Aching swollen joints
• Irritation around patches
• White-like silver scales covering the patches
• Dry skin that cracks up and bleeds
• Deep blemished nails
• Itchy and burning feeling around the patches
People with a rare type of psoriasis can have completely different symptoms. Psoriasis sometimes comes cyclically. It occurs for a few days and then disappears on its own.
Causes of Psoriasis
Experts have a vague idea of the causes behind psoriasis. After research, they have found two major factors: genetics and the immune system.
• Genetics
Genes play an important role in inheriting diseases like psoriasis. Family members having any skin disorder can pass it down to the next generation. While the chances for psoriasis patients and genetic disposition is small.
• Immune System
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder. In this kind of psoriasis, certain white cells called T-cells attack the skin cells. White cells usually fight off bacteria and infection inside the body. The outcome is associated with plaque psoriasis.
Diagnosis of Psoriasis
There are two significant examinations required before diagnosing psoriasis :
• Biopsy
Doctors usually take a small sample of skin for testing and confirm the type of psoriasis an individual has. This is called Biopsy.
• Physical examination
Generally, doctors able to recognize the conditions by a simple physical examination. As the symptoms differ from other similar symptoms.
Suresh Hospital’s ../department of Allergy and Immune System
Allergy needs proper care to cure. Tests and diagnosis play a significant role in the treatment of allergy, as it takes time to confirm the types and causes of allergy. At Suresh Hospitals we provide well-equipped facilities for skin prick testing and have a set up of Immunotherapy. Our profoundly efficient team serves the patients with care compassion.